Forgiveness and Redemption in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction
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Are certain acts of evil so heinous that they cannot be forgiven? Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction explores themes of redemption and forgiveness amid the harshest acts of extreme violence. Consider this: Can true forgiveness exist in the face of such acts?
After surviving an event in which he thinks he should be dead, Jules (Samuel Jackson) re-evaluates his life as a hitman and believes he has been chosen to change his ways. He decides to try to be a "shepherd," beginning with an absurd act of kindness.
Butch (Bruce Willis) makes a radical moral choice. In a split second, (seemingly ridiculous) change of heart, he chooses to save the person bent on killing him. The "conversion experience" is all the more jarring in the context of the choice between freedom and self-sacrifice for his enemy.
If you have not yet seen the film, it is available to stream from several online sources. You may also watch the key scenes below:
Please note: The scenes below include acts of savage violence, rape, and offensive language. Watching it is not necessary for Saturday’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G40QeJGSm9U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksue0DIcZ-4
"The truth is, you're the weak. And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But I'm tryin, Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to be the shepherd."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dczYfjhKchk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPxy2hbnC-k